Reggie Bush Calls It A Career: “I’m Done”

LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 9: Reggie Bush #5 of the USC Trojans prays in the middle of the field before the game against the California Golden Bears on October 9, 2004 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Reggie Bush is walking away from the game.

The average lifespan for a running back in the NFL is the shortest of any position on the field – for good reason. Running backs take a pounding each and every play; whether running the ball, picking up a blitzing linebacker, or catching a pass out of the backfield, these ball carriers get no reprieve.

However, there are a few who last into their 30’s.

One such player has finally reached the end of the road. Reggie Bush spoke with Edward Lewis of NFL.com, and announced he’s walking away from the game.

“I’m done,” Bush said. “Yeah, I’m done. I said it. It’s not breaking news. I’ve been saying it. I said it all season long, I said, ‘Listen, if I don’t play this year, I’m going to retire.’ Because I’m not going to spend a whole year off, come back, 33 years old, trying to get back in the league. Listen, once you get to a certain age as a running back, they just start to slowly weed you out.”

No, it’s not breaking news, but Bush’s career deserves reflection. Whether his supernova beginning at USC, or his less than stellar NFL career, Bush shown as one of the brightest stars in the sky.

Bush finished his career with just under 5,500 rushing yards and nearly 3,600 receiving yards to go along with 58 career touchdowns. The former Heisman Trophy winner may have had that trophy taken away from him, but his legacy as one of the greatest collegiate running backs will live on forever.